Lewis Hamilton: A Ferrari surge would be good for Formula 1

After winning 16 of 19 races last season en route to a constructors' and drivers' championship double, Mercedes has won 12 of 15 grands prix this year to make it back to back team titles, and Hamilton is on the brink of a third personal crown.

Ferrari has, however, proved stronger opposition for Mercedes this year, with Sebastian Vettel winning three races and currently lying second in the drivers' standings after overhauling Nico Rosberg with his second place in the Russian Grand Prix last Sunday.

Suggested to Hamilton that Vettel could become his main threat in 2016, the 30-year-old said: "Sebastian is always going to be one of the strongest opponents, but it depends how you look at it.

"As a driver from another team he's definitely going to be the strongest opponent, but Nico will come strong next year.

"But of course I hope we do have a race with the Ferraris, I think it would be good for the sport.

"Hopefully it will be with us being in front, but still a good race."

HAMILTON/VETTEL RIVALRY COULD BECOME LEGENDARY

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff also recognises what a more sustained battle with Ferrari could do for F1.

Vettel and Hamilton both now boast 42 wins apiece, and the Briton is almost certain to close to within one of the German's title haul of four this season,

Wolff agrees there is a real battle for supremacy building between the duo.

"They are both in cars that are performing very well," said Wolff.

"It could be one of the great rivalries in the sport, in different teams obviously, but Lewis has his own rivalry within the team, so that is good."